Firing mechanism



April 22, 1947. 5 GlLBERT 2,419,349

FIRING MECHANISM Filed May 5, 1943 INVENTOR.

Samuel Gilbert Y Patented Apr. 22, 1947 FIRING MECHANISM Samuel Gilbert, Verona, N. J assignor to Bendix Aviation Corporation, Bendix, N. J., a corporation of Delaware Application May 5, 1943, Serial No. 485,761

2 Claims.

This invention relates to firing mechanisms, and particularly to the firing of a shell, bomb or other explosive containing receptacle.

An object of the invention is to provide an im proved firing method for such devices.

Another object is to provide an improved igniting structure for removable attachment to the exterior of such devices.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from inspection of the following specification when read with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein is illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only, and. are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for this purpose.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view in elevation of a device embodying the invention;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, but with parts sectioned;

Fig. 3 is a transverse section on line 3-3 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 4 shows a modification.

The drawings show the invention in the form of a cup-shaped, slotted head 5 fitting over the nose of a bomb of the type adapted to be dropped vertically toward the ground. Integral with the head 5 is a long hollow tube 1 having solid portions 8 and 9 at top and bottom, respectively.

When the bomb is dropped the first part to strike the ground (or ground structure) i the solid tip 9. The resulting shock is transmitted back along the tube 1 to the solid part 8, and thence to the igniter charge I I (Fig. 3) in the nose of the bomb. The resulting ignition of this shock responsive charge I l produces a consequent ignition of the main powder charge of the bomb (as in the conventional practice) and the result is a complete fragmentation action as to the entire contents of the bomb, with the fragments being directed radially outward at all angles, in lieu of being confined within the earth or other solid body in which a conventional bomb, not equipped with the present invention, has a tendency to bury itself.

In Fig. 4 is shown the preferred construction of the bomb attachment. This includes a spring l2 normally held compressed between solid parts 3 and 9, a vertical bushing I3 attached to part 9, and a latch 14 engaging under the flange 15 of the bushing l3 to hold the spring compressed until such time as the latch is released by the bom-' bardier (or gunner, in the case of a shell). The latch 14 is pivoted on outer tube I! attached to part 8. Also pivoted to member l! are three stops l8, preferably spring-loaded, to limit the return of bushing 13 when the tip 9 strikes the ground (or ground structure). When this occurs the shock is transmitted back through tube 11 to the nose of the bomb and the charge i I, as above explained in discussing Figs. 1 to 3.

What is claimed is:

1. An attachment for a projectile having a charge-containing end normally rendered effective upon an appreciable penetration of a target; said attachment comprising a cup-shaped member having resilient fingers adapted to be removably secured about the charge-containing end; a tube integral with said member; a springpressed sleeve slidably mounted in said tube; latch means latching said sleeve in retracted position in said tube, and stop means for securing said sleeve in extended position without said tube, upon release of said latch means, for engagement with said target and thus transmit shock to said member for rendering said charge-containing end efiective without attendant penetration.

2. An attachment for a. projectile having a charge-containing end normally rendered effective upon an appreciable penetration of a target; said attachment comprising a cup-shaped member having resilient means adapted to be removably secured about the charge-containing end; a tube integral with said member; a spring pressed sleeve slidably mounted in said tube; latch means latching said sleeve in retracted position in said tube, and stop means for securing said sleeve in extended position without said tube, upon release of said latch means, for engagement with said target and thus transmit shock to said member for rendering said charge-containing end effective without attendant penetra tion.

SAMUEL GILBERT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,344,558 Nieukirk June 22, 1920 1,207,520 Fabiani et a1 Dec. 5, 1916 1,300,333 Berry Apr. 15, 1919 1,294,392 Bury Feb. 18, 1919 1,531,716 Remondy Mar. 31, 1925 1,863,766 Ross June 21, 1932 

